Jeff Baker, at left, reacts as he is announced as deputy CEO of Illinois REALTORS® on Friday, April 26, 2019. The announcement to Illinois REALTORS® staff was made at an event in advance of next week’s Capitol Conference in Springfield.

Illinois REALTORS® President-elect and Search Committee Chair Ed Neaves is pleased to announce the selection of Jeffrey T. Baker as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois REALTORS®. Baker’s selection will position him to replace the current CEO Gary Clayton, when he retires at the end of 2020.

About Baker’s selection, Neaves said: “Jeff was selected after a national search for candidates. His legal, management and extensive political experience together with his knowledge of Springfield and Illinois, as well as, the Association’s culture were paramount factors in his selection.”

Jeff is currently the associate general counsel and director of Legal Services for Illinois REALTORS® and has been working at the Association since 2014 when he started as one of its outside attorneys.

“Illinois REALTORS® staff is second to none,” Baker said. “From my first day with the Association, the positive work environment was overwhelming and together, we work incredibly hard every day for the most professional class of REALTORS® in the country. I can’t think of a better place to come to work or a better group of people to work for every day.”

Baker is a graduate of the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), with a B.A. in Political Science, a Masters degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University (Washington, DC), and a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

His experience includes involvement in numerous political campaigns for governor and U.S. Congress. Baker’s prior experience also includes working for his own law practice and for Sorling Northrup Law Office in Springfield, Illinois.

Baker lives in Springfield with his wife, Kim, and three children.